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PhD Course in Research Ethics, Methods, and GDPR Compliance

By Sigrid Klæboe Jacobsen

Urbygningen på NMBU i bakgrunnen. Røde blomster i forgrunen.
Photo: Tommy Normann / NMBU

Register for this course which provides an in-depth understanding of research ethics and methodology across disciplines, starting spring 2026 at our beautiful campus in Ås near Oslo.

5 credits (ECTS)
English language course
Physical attendance at NMBU – Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Ås, Norway. Meeting room: coming.

Sign up: skatteforsk@nmbu.no


About this course

This course is designed as a seminar series, providing an in-depth understanding of research ethics and methodology across disciplines. The course aims to foster a culture of ethical awareness, responsible data management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The curriculum includes both foundational and practical aspects of research ethics, emphasizing contemporary challenges and best practices in research data handling.

Seminars are given by experts in the field, sharing from their own experiences in how to navigate complex ethical, security, and legal issues in order to pursue their research goals. The aim is to provide students and lecturers with networks, to interact scholars across institutions and countries, and to provide deeper awareness and competence in these complex issues within the research community.

Seminar dates


More seminars will be added as dates are confirmed.

26th February 2026
10:00-12:00
When published research turns out to be wrong. Simen Markussen and Knut Røed, Frisch Centre and Skatteforsk  
5th March 2026
10:00-12:00                   
Studying the hidden: data, measurement, and ethics. Tina Søreide, NHH
9th April 2026
10:00-12:00   
Errors in public institutions’ use of public data. Simen Markussen, Frisch Centre and Skatteforsk  
21st May 2026
10:00-12:00   
How to work with leaked data. Annette Alstadsæter, Skatteforsk


Course details

Credits are awarded when the workload is completed and approved.

Individual written reflection documents and oral presentations in groups with peer feedback. Students must physically attend a minimum of 4 seminars, with documented preparation, active participation, and oral or written contributions. Students choose the sessions most relevant to their research. The mandatory coursework is to be completed within a year. As of now the course is planned until end of 2027 but may also be extended.

Details about learning activities, assessment method, mandatory activity and more here: Skatteforsk PhD Course – Topics in Research Ethics, Methods, and GDPR Compliance | NMBU

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